Max Verstappen, the prominent figure in Formula 1, remains a focal point in driver market discussions, despite his contract with Red Bull extending through the 2028 season. Speculation about his potential move to teams like Mercedes, Aston Martin, and previously McLaren, continues to swirl, particularly due to an exit clause in his contract that allows for career reassessment during the summer break. McLaren CEO Zak Brown disclosed that he contacted Verstappen’s manager earlier this year to gauge the market’s dynamics amidst speculation of Verstappen’s departure.
While negotiating an extension with current driver Oscar Piastri, Brown aimed to understand the implications of a possible Verstappen move, recognizing the potential for market upheaval if a significant driver changed teams. Brown emphasized the importance of staying informed within the ever-evolving F1 landscape, particularly as teams like Alpine make swift changes to driver lineups.
Verstappen humorously recounted that the call ended abruptly once Brown learned of his salary expectations, highlighting that while McLaren has a strong pairing in Lando Norris and Piastri, any significant shift involving Verstappen could disrupt the current team culture.
